Where to go when you WIN the lottery

I would find a way to claim the prize without the attending publicity...At least with Powerball that can be done. Then I would set up a foundation to shelter as much as possible from the government grab. Not avoiding taxes, just using the rules that non-profits  and corporations seem to find to protect as much of the prize as possible.

That is assuming the prize is large enough to merit that sort of attention.

We have a large family with over twenty grandchildren who will reach post-secondary education age over the next decade...so establishing a scholarship program for them with rules for participation and limits etc spelled out to be fair to all of the kids would be a high priority. All but one of the adult children already are buying their homes, so that would not be a consideration for us. 

I see the need, if the prize is big enough, for a CPA and a Foundation Manager to keep track of the whole operation, allowing us the time to 'play'.  I would have the foundation hire US as employees, so we could get decent health insurance for Janet...and use the wages as 'our allowance'.
Toys??  Maybe a small tractor with the necessary implements to do garden and orchard work in addition to the mowing tasks we already have.  I am already looking at a replacement for my 5 year old F150 Supercrew...Paying for it from Lottery winnings would be nice.

Another toy would be to use charter aircraft to travel. Using the airlines is a real ordeal for me. I avoid them as much as I can. So to charter a ride to Ontario would be a real nice ride, if we didn't want to take the time for a roadtrip.

I'll think of more and maybe add some thoughts to this post later.

Mayor,
All great ideas and I was thinking about many of the same things you are. I would set the Kids & Grandkids up as well with restrictions. No Free Lunch!
I'd start traveling as soon as possible. Get me one of those Marathon $1 Million Motor homes.
http://www.marathoncoach.com/
I want to see a lot of places before they put me in the box! I'm 70 so I better get my butt in gear to hit them all!
I think there's some fine print in the Lottery agreements that gives them DeFacto permission to use your name and picture to promote the lottery as a condition when you get the money. I'd have an "Honest Lawyer" go pick up the check. The Supreme Oxymoron!
Things I learned somewhere was to sign the ticket and put it in your safety deposit box until you're ready to collect, have an alarm system put on your house and make your phone numbers unlisted. One family had to hire a private security company to keep people from coming to the door asking for $$$.

I would not be adverse to the publicity. It's going to happen whether you like it or not. Just go private after. So I would go and pick up my check with a collection of baseball caps promoting the causes, organizations, schools and places I like and start alternating them during the press conference just like the NASCAR race car drivers do after a win. It might be the only chance I get.

It's interesting to note that most of the Responders would use the money to help others--Family or needy causes. Who said the American Spirit is dead! God bless all of you with good spirits and intentions and God Bless America!

A few monthes ago there was a major prize winner in Kentucky who was able to remain out of the limelight using a lawyer to handle all the publicity at the award ceremony and afterwards. I watched the story as it progressed and never did see the names of the winner(s). I assume a serious tracer would find them, but at least the casual onlooker would not .

While there are some things I could do to my home with 'extra' money...I don't think I would consider buying a newer/larger home. We will add a Tractor shed/carport this year with or without a bonus winner!  I do think we would find an apartment/condo on the gulf shores for the winter months if that became more important than it is now...  And maybe some housekeeper/yard workers to help with the physical work around here (part-time).

Meantime I have to figure how to pay for the maintenance on my diesel mower...It is in the John Deere shop with a repair tag of a grand on it (so far) for the new hydralic pumps and mower overhaul. Mowing isn't cheap these days !! I need a good...not giant... scratch-off ticket to surface to pay for the repairs!

mayor al


A few monthes ago there was a major prize winner in Kentucky who was able to remain out of the limelight using a lawyer to handle all the publicity at the award ceremony and afterwards. I watched the story as it progressed and never did see the names of the winner(s). I assume a serious tracer would find them, but at least the casual onlooker would not .

While there are some things I could do to my home with 'extra' money...I don't think I would consider buying a newer/larger home. We will add a Tractor shed/carport this year with or without a bonus winner!  I do think we would find an apartment/condo on the gulf shores for the winter months if that became more important than it is now...  And maybe some housekeeper/yard workers to help with the physical work around here (part-time).

Meantime I have to figure how to pay for the maintenance on my diesel mower...It is in the John Deere shop with a repair tag of a grand on it (so far) for the new hydralic pumps and mower overhaul. Mowing isn't cheap these days !! I need a good...not giant... scratch-off ticket to surface to pay for the repairs!

Sounds like you need to sell your John Deere and buy some goats to do the "Mowing"! You could also grow a Beard, buy a flat top hat and sell goats milk cheese at the Amish Markets! And have an occasional Goat Roast for your large family!